MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genizon BioSciences today announced a license and collaboration agreement with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE - News) for diagnostic rights to Genizon’s discovery programs in Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and endometriosis. Genizon retains therapeutic rights.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will pay Genizon upfront license fees and funding for research on genetic variations associated with diseases. Pfizer will also purchase an equity stake in Genizon subject to certain closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The collaboration involves discovery of diagnostic markers from three ongoing genome-wide association studies of the Quebec Founder Population using Genizon’s proprietary technology platform. The unique genetic heritage of the Quebec Founder Population provides unparalleled power to discover genetic markers that are predictive of disease susceptibility.
The collaboration will expand these discoveries by including results with those from genome-wide association studies from general populations.
“We are excited about the broad scope and combined contributions of this collaboration,” said Dr. John W. Hooper, President and CEO of Genizon BioSciences. “We expect the results of this research to lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis and improved health care for patients afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD and endometriosis.”
“It is a pleasure to be doing such important collaborative genetic research with the scientific team at Pfizer,” said Dr. Tim Keith, Chief Scientific Officer of Genizon BioSciences. “By combining the scientific strengths of Genizon and Pfizer, we look forward to translating our discoveries in disease-associated genetic variation into predictive diagnostics for these serious disorders.”
About Genizon BioSciences
Genizon BioSciences Inc., founded in 1999, is the only source for GeneMaps--comprehensive maps of genes, genetic markers, biochemical pathways and drug targets that are unequivocally involved in causing human disease--accelerating the development of safer, more effective medicines. GeneMaps also lead to the development of predictive diagnostics that facilitate personalized medicine. Genizon’s proprietary, automated gene discovery platform using genome-wide association studies involving thousands of members of the Quebec Founder Population provides unprecedented understanding of the genetic origins and mechanisms of common diseases, resulting in the best possible drug targets and genetic markers. The company’s GeneMaps provide pharmaceutical partners with intellectual property that creates opportunities for leadership in many therapeutic areas by bringing to market better treatments that address the root causes of diseases. Genizon is conducting gene discovery programs in more than 25 common diseases. Genizon’s genotyping and genetic analysis services also assist partners in rapidly generating statistically reliable gene discoveries from existing DNA collections.
Contact: Genizon BioSciences, Inc. Bill Cheliak, +1-613-240-5102 VP Business Development bill.cheliak@genizon.com or Schwartz Communications Lauren Arnold/Wendy Mejia, +1-781-684-0770 genizon@schwartz-pr.com
Source: Genizon BioSciences Inc.
